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The Spectrum Retreat, a puzzle game born from a student competition, captured the attention of puzzle and mystery fans. Originally titled “Spectrum,” the game won the BAFTA Young Game Designers award in 2016, created by then 18-year-old Dan Smith. This early success led to a partnership with Ripstone Games, transforming the project into a commercial release. The game blends elements of Portal and Antichamber, promising a unique and intriguing experience. However, does The Spectrum Retreat live up to its initial promise?

The Spectrum Retreat – Đánh Giá Game

A Luxurious Prison: The Penrose Hotel

The Spectrum Retreat places you within the opulent Penrose Hotel, a stunning example of 1920s Art Deco architecture. However, this luxurious setting is far from welcoming. The hotel is eerily empty, save for unsettling mannequins that seem to watch your every move. This unsettling atmosphere immediately establishes the game’s mystery element, prompting you to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the Penrose’s glamorous facade. Your only companion is Cooper, a mysterious figure who provides guidance throughout your journey.

The Penrose exists as a digital prison, trapping you in a perpetual loop. The game’s setting is divided into two distinct spaces: the lavish Penrose Hotel and the sterile, futuristic digital levels that control it. This division reflects the dual nature of the game’s puzzles.

Dual Puzzle Systems: A Mixed Bag

Within the Penrose, you must decipher clues and uncover hidden messages, utilizing keen observation skills to piece together the fragmented narrative. The digital levels, on the other hand, present logic and color-based puzzles, increasing in complexity as you progress. While initially engaging, this dual puzzle system ultimately hinders the game’s overall experience.

The Spectrum Retreat – Đánh Giá Game

The two puzzle types feel disconnected, lacking a cohesive link. Rather than complementing each other, they feel jarringly juxtaposed, disrupting the flow of gameplay. This constant shift between puzzle styles disrupts the narrative momentum, preventing the mystery from fully developing. The fragmented storytelling, presented through scattered journal entries and environmental clues, further exacerbates this issue. While the narrative itself offers intriguing social commentary, its impact is diminished by the game’s structural shortcomings.

A Flawed Execution

The Spectrum Retreat’s ambition outpaces its execution. The Penrose, despite its initial visual appeal, lacks depth and detail, feeling hastily constructed. The linear gameplay further restricts the player’s agency. Puzzles often have only one solution, leaving little room for experimentation. Mistakes are heavily penalized, forcing players to restart entire sections, adding frustration to an already disjointed experience.

The Spectrum Retreat – Đánh Giá Game

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

The Spectrum Retreat presents a compelling concept with its intriguing setting and dual puzzle system. However, the game’s fragmented narrative, disconnected puzzles, and linear gameplay ultimately prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the core ideas are promising, the execution leaves much to be desired. The Spectrum Retreat serves as a reminder that innovative concepts require careful implementation to truly shine. The game, while offering glimpses of brilliance, ultimately falls short of delivering a truly satisfying puzzle experience.